MFI No Start

[EsGeht]

In thirty years of ownership I've rarely had any starting issues, it always fires immediately, but after several maintenance tasks it's not starting, not even sputtering. I've cranked it over multiple times for ten seconds or so. Never has it failed to start like this.
Here is the relevant maintenance: I replaced the supply fuel line from the tunnel to the fuel pump and set the valves. I checked for spark (present) the fuel pump is working, and the supply line from the filter to the injection pump shows a bit of moisture at the connection (I know, I know, I've got replacement hose and it will be changed!!)
As far as the valves go, I used the snap-gap tool for the first time, but have successfully set valves in the past. I don't think I did such a bad job at it, but even so, the motor isn't even sputtering, not a hint of starting. I saw a post where an MFI owner spoke of air in the fuel system after maintenance and how long it took to expunge the air before the car would start. Is this what I'm experiencing? Any ideas? Thanks so much.

[edmayo]

That's the return line back into the filter housing and then to the check valve (which could be sticking open) and then returns back to the tank. Quick check, spray some start fluid into the air cleaner and see if tries to start.

[Richy]

I know one thing , because it's been starting for 30 years means nothing , I did an engine R & R and the CD ignition failed sitting in the car during the procedure . Your car is over 50 years old .

[EsGeht]

Thanks, Ed. I Just bought some starter fluid and will give it a go in a few days. We're going into the deep freeze here in Illinois right now and I don't want to open the garage door until it warms up a bit. But at least I have something to try and can sleep a little better in the meantime.
And yes, Richy, when something like this happens I imagine every possible component that might have given up the ghost silently and without warning, hence the 3am obsessive ruminating. Cheers

[lopena]

Mike:

I don’t know exactly which fuel lines you’ve disconnected during this process, but it’s imperative that you follow the attached diagram. There are erroneous versions in some manuals which have let to much wailing and gnashing of teeth:

[Nickelplated5s]

69S here and Lopena's diagram is what I remember as correct. Go with Ed first for stater fluid, brake cleaner works too. Second pull the supply line with a second person and a container to check for flow. Those two tests will isolate your problem. Key in on position will prime.

Mine is finicky after sitting for a few days and cold. Not IL cold but cold. I've had two problems in the past. Letting ethanol fuel sit in a half tank for too long. You can check supply lines by running a reel of weed eater line through them. You possibly need both of those. I'm lucky and have a large tank of non ethanol fuel here now. Let us know.

[EsGeht]

Thanks for the responses. The only fuel line changed was the line from the tunnel (from the fuel tank) to the pump. In the illustration above, the line from the left side of the tank to the fuel pump, bottom position in the diagram. This was to replace "correct looking" braided hose that is not ethanol rated. Prior to this, the car ran and started with no issues, so this no start is a never before issue. Anyway, we're at 5 degrees below this morning with a warmup coming later in the week, so I will wait a few days before trying the starter fluid and will certainly report back, this website is a wonderful blessing.

[EsGeht]

Well.....I tried starter fluid sprayed into the air cleaner housing and thought I got a very small bump, but then nothing, just cranking. I removed the air cleaner housing and sprayed fluid directly into the throttle body stacks and got ...nothing. I rechecked for spark, and it's sparking. I'm cranking briefly, not for long stretches, but just nothing. I'm at a loss as to what the trouble could be. I doubt myself more and more as I get older and wonder what I've done wrong. Setting the valves, if even done poorly, surely wouldn't cause the motor to not fire at all, right? I'll try again this afternoon as the temps reach the lower 40s, but I don't know what to try beyond checking for spark and fuel. Thanks!

[EsGeht]

YAY!!!!! I seem to post too soon when I have issues... just went out this am and tried with starter fluid in three stacks and it stumbled a bit, but I kept on cranking for quite awhile, heard another stumble or two and then it fired up. Whew, I can set aside the self-doubt for a day or two. Thanks so much for the starter fluid tip, for some reason I hadn't thought of it. It seems perhaps there was air in the fuel line after replacing the supply line from the tunnel to the fuel pump? Anyway, IT STARTED!! Thanks again.

[lopena]

Mike:

Glad to hear it!

Just to be clear: is your car now idling normally on gasoline or did it start and run for a few seconds on the starter fluid?

Alan